When the Clock Broke

The central insight of When the Clock Broke is that the political turbulence of the late 20th century was not a sudden disruption but the result of long-term structural changes. Economic transformation weakened the middle class, social institutions lost their influence, and trust in government declined. These forces combined to create a widespread sense of instability and dissatisfaction, which found expression in populist movements and unconventional political figures.

Ganz shows that the era marked the beginning of a new political landscape—one defined by fragmentation, polarization, and a breakdown of shared assumptions. The figures and movements that emerged during this period were not anomalies; they were early signs of deeper changes that continue to shape politics today.

John Ganz is an American writer and political commentator known for his analysis of historical and contemporary political movements. His work often explores the intersections of economics, culture, and ideology, with a particular focus on the roots of modern populism. In When the Clock Broke, Ganz combines historical research with cultural analysis to provide a detailed account of a transformative period in American history, offering insights into the forces that continue to influence political dynamics in the present day.